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Sports and Competition
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Raiders training camp: Competition ramps up as Dont'e Thornton continues to impress

Raiders Training Camp Heats Up: First Day in Pads Spotlights Intensity and Emerging Talents

COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off a pivotal phase of their 2025 training camp on Monday, donning full pads for the first time this summer. The shift from non-contact drills to the thudding reality of padded practices brought a palpable surge of energy to the field at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Under the watchful eye of head coach Antonio Pierce, the team embraced the physicality, setting the tone for what promises to be a grueling preseason grind. This initial padded session wasn't just about knocking off the rust; it was a litmus test for rookies and veterans alike, revealing glimpses of the Raiders' potential depth chart and areas needing refinement as they chase a playoff berth in the competitive AFC West.

The morning air was crisp, but the action on the field quickly turned steamy. Pierce, entering his third full season at the helm, emphasized the importance of this milestone. "Pads change everything," he told reporters after practice. "You can talk schemes all day in helmets, but when the pads come on, that's when you see who's ready to fight for a spot. Today was about building that toughness we've been preaching." The coach's words resonated as the team dove into 11-on-11 drills, where the sounds of colliding shoulder pads echoed like thunderclaps. It was a far cry from the walkthroughs of the past week, and players responded with a mix of enthusiasm and controlled aggression.

One of the standout storylines from the day centered on wide receiver Donte Thornton, the speedy second-year pro who joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee last offseason. Thornton, known for his blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash and acrobatic catches during his college days, turned heads with a series of impressive plays that could solidify his role in the offense. In one memorable sequence during team drills, Thornton lined up in the slot against veteran cornerback Jack Jones. Quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who's been sharp in camp, lofted a deep ball down the sideline. Thornton accelerated past Jones, adjusting mid-stride to haul in the pass with a leaping grab that drew cheers from his teammates. It wasn't just the catch; it was the separation he created, showcasing the route-running polish he's developed under wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett.

Thornton's performance didn't stop there. Later in practice, during red-zone work, he ran a crisp corner route, shaking free from safety Tre'von Moehrig for what would have been a touchdown in a live game. His ability to high-point the ball and win contested catches has been a talking point, especially as the Raiders look to bolster their receiving corps beyond stars like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. "Donte's got that dog in him," Adams said post-practice, flashing a grin. "He's young, hungry, and he's making plays that force you to notice. If he keeps this up, he's going to be a problem for defenses." Thornton's emergence is timely, given the team's need for depth after injuries plagued the position group last season. At 6-foot-5 with a wingspan that seems endless, he brings a unique physical profile that could complement the Raiders' vertical passing attack.

But Thornton wasn't the only young gun making noise. Rookie defensive end Tyree Wilson, the team's first-round pick from two years ago, finally looked like the disruptive force the Raiders envisioned when they drafted him. Wilson, who battled injuries early in his career, exploded off the edge in pass-rush drills, recording what would have been multiple sacks against the starting offensive line. His bull rush against left tackle Kolton Miller was particularly eye-opening, as he drove the veteran back into the pocket, collapsing it in seconds. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham praised Wilson's progress, noting, "Tyree's starting to put it all together. The pads let him unleash that power, and today he showed why we believe in him." Wilson's performance could be a boon for a defensive line that's been retooling, with veterans like Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins providing mentorship.

On the offensive side, the quarterback competition added another layer of intrigue. O'Connell, who took over as starter midway through last season, continued to build chemistry with his weapons, completing a high percentage of his throws in team periods. His poise under pressure was evident when the defense dialed up blitzes, and he quickly found outlets like tight end Brock Bowers, the dynamic first-rounder from Georgia who's already turning heads with his after-the-catch ability. Bowers, at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, looks every bit the mismatch nightmare the Raiders hoped for, hauling in several passes over the middle and breaking tackles for extra yards. "Brock's a beast," O'Connell said. "He's making my job easier every day."

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The offensive line, a unit that's undergone significant changes with the addition of free-agent guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, showed some growing pains. Powers-Johnson, a hulking rookie from Oregon, held his own in run-blocking drills but struggled with pass protection against the speedy interior rush of Wilkins. A couple of pressures led to hurried throws, highlighting the need for more cohesion up front. Pierce addressed this directly, stressing the importance of the line gelling quickly. "We've got talent there, but pads expose the details. We need to clean up the communication and footwork," he said.

Defensively, the secondary had its moments of dominance. Cornerback Nate Hobbs intercepted a pass during 7-on-7 drills, reading the eyes of backup quarterback Gardner Minshew and undercutting a route intended for Meyers. Hobbs' play was a reminder of his ball-hawking skills, which could anchor a unit that's aiming to improve on last season's middling pass defense stats. Safety Marcus Epps also flashed, laying a big hit on running back Zamir White during a goal-line stand, though coaches quickly reminded everyone to keep it controlled to avoid injuries.

The running game provided another focal point. White, stepping into a larger role after Josh Jacobs' departure in free agency, pounded the rock effectively in padded drills. His vision and burst were on display as he navigated through tight holes created by the line, picking up chunk yards that energized the offense. Newcomer Alexander Mattison, signed to provide veteran depth, complemented White with shifty runs that showcased his elusiveness. The duo's performance suggests the Raiders could have a balanced backfield, easing the pressure on the passing game.

As practice wound down, special teams got their turn in the spotlight. Kicker Daniel Carlson boomed several long field goals, including a 55-yarder that split the uprights with room to spare, while punter AJ Cole pinned the return team deep multiple times. The emphasis on fundamentals extended here, with Pierce drilling the importance of clean operations in high-pressure situations.

Overall, this first padded practice was a microcosm of the Raiders' camp themes: competition, physicality, and growth. With the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers looming in just under two weeks, the team knows every rep counts. Thornton, in particular, embodies the upside of this roster—raw talent meeting opportunity. If he can translate these flashes into consistent production, the Raiders' offense could take a significant leap. Pierce summed it up best: "We're building something here. Today was step one in pads, but we've got a long way to go. The guys who embrace the grind will be the ones playing on Sundays."

The session ended with team stretches and a huddle, where Pierce reiterated the mantra of resilience. As players headed to the locker room, the buzz was undeniable. This Raiders team, with its blend of youth and experience, is starting to find its identity. Whether that translates to wins remains to be seen, but on this day, the pads told a story of promise and potential pitfalls. Camp rolls on, and with each practice, the picture of the 2025 Raiders comes into sharper focus.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6520662/2025/07/28/raiders-training-camp-pads-donte-thornton/ ]